A bridge in Stockport has been officially renamed after a heroic, local train driver – John Axon – who lost his life trying to stop a runaway train in 1957.
Stockport Council has officially renamed Thomson Street Bridge (built in 2022) to John Axon GC Bridge, with a blue plaque and a new sign now installed.
The official renaming ceremony was held on 30 September 2025 and attended by the Government’s Rail Minister – Lord Hendy – Council representatives, John’s family and members of the railway community.
Who was John Axon?
John Axon was born in Stockport in 1900 and spent his working life on the railways. On 11 February 1957, the steam brake onboard the freight locomotive he was on failed. He instructed his fireman to jump clear and apply the wagon brakes and managed to inform the signalman at the Chapel-en-le-Frith South station – where they were rapidly approaching downhill – of the situation.
John stayed on the train and did all he could to bring it under control, but was killed when the train hit another freight train at the station. His brave action saved many lives and he was posthumously awarded the George Cross.
‘A true railway hero’
During the renaming ceremony, Lord Hendy addressed the attendees about the UK’s railway heritage and the importance of the contributions of workers like John. He said it was “a real honour for me to be here today to mark John’s life. For me and my fellow rail workers, John embodies the spirit of service that makes life on the tracks so rewarding. So today, we salute one of our own – a true railway hero.”
Speaking on behalf of Stockport Council, Cllr Grace Baynham – Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services – explained that renaming the bridge was the Council’s “way of honouring one of Stockport’s own who acted with extraordinary bravery. It is fitting that people crossing this bridge every day will see his name and remember what he stood for.”
John’s family spoke of their pleasure at him being commemorated in this way, in a town he loved. Melanie Axon, John’s granddaughter, said: “Our family is deeply honoured that the new bridge will carry our grandfather’s name. The bridge, which is close to where the family lives to this day, stands as a daily reminder of his courage as and this is incredibly special to us all.”
